Page 65 of Fairground

“Twilight,” I say with a smirk. “Yeah, I’m going there because you deserve it for that one. What are you trying to push me away into Jacob’s arms to protect me or something?”

She rolls her eyes, exhaling heavily. “I’m just tired. But seriously, she’s pretty. Nice. Happy. And talented.”

I groan, standing abruptly and motioning for Macie’s manager to come over because this version of Rae, I hate. The insecure one when she has nothing to be insecure about. Maybe I'm not good at making a woman feel secure in my interest to them because I've never wanted to before, but I want to do with Rae, and this attitude just simply won't do. I need to make my intentions clear and get her out of her head immediately.

Rex walks over curiously.

“Send the paperwork over to Rae when Macie finishes,” I say firmly. “And if she needs anything else, email. No calls or texts tonight—I’ll be busy.”

He nods, a little confused. “Um... okay. Sounds good.”

I glance down at Rae, fixing her with a pointed look. “Let’s go.”

“What? No. We’re supposed to stay while she rehearses.”

“Not anymore. Let’s go.”

She arches a brow, clearly suspicious of me. “Why? And where are we going?”

I lean in just enough to lower my voice. “I told her manager that I’ll be busy tonight, and I intend on that. With you. I’ve got something to show you. Don’t ask too many questions, or I might have to haul you out of here myself and you know that’d cause a scene for Macie.”

She eyes me for a moment, but eventually she gives in, standing and following me out of the grass-covered fairground toward our cars.

"I might not mind you causing a scene," she mutters.

I toss my head back and laugh, loudly. “Well, that'd be a first for you. I’ll drive,” I say, opening the passenger door for her.

She hesitates, her lips twitching with a hint of defiance. “What if I want to escape from wherever you're taking me?”

I grin, shaking my head. “Not tonight, you’re not.”

And for once, she listens, sliding into the passenger seat without another word.

Chapter 27: Rae

I know exactly where Cash is taking me as soon as we hit the road.

The sun’s last slivers are sinking below the horizon, leaving everything in Whitewood Creek bathed in a dusky glow. The drive is familiar now, lined with towering trees and cornstalks that frame the winding dirt path leading up to the Marshall's farmstead.

I’ve only been here twice before with Cash, but there’s no mistaking the place. Why he’s taking me back here tonight, though, I have no idea. I don’t ask questions because whatever’s brewing between us feels like it’s about to come to a head. For better or for worse.

The car passes the farmhouse where his dad, Regan, and Cash live, but instead of turning right toward the family distillery, where we went before that night he worked for Colt, we veer hard left. Away from Colt and Molly’s home. Away from anywhere I've been before.

A flicker of unease tightens inside my chest.

Where the hell is he taking me?

And then it hits me—oh God, are we going to visit his chickens? The portion of the property that's the egg farmstead where he spends his days?

“Um… where are we going?”

Cash keeps his eyes on the dark road ahead, saying nothing but there's a calm and confident smile across his lips. The truck bumps along in silence until, finally, a large barn comes into view, its adjacent warehouse glowing faintly under the rising moon.

It’s my first time seeing the egg farm up close, and the sight leaves me speechless. Short, freshly cut grass surrounds the property, while the mountains rise like a protective wall behind it, their foothills dotted with fiery fall foliage. Even in the growing darkness, the view is breathtaking. And, to my surprise, it doesn’t smell like what I'd imagine a chicken farm would stink like at all—not like the ones I’ve driven past on trips to the North Carolina coast, where the air practically scorches your nostrils from the manure.

A small sign flutters in the breeze near the entrance:Pasture-raised. Organic feed only. No-kill facility.

This is Cash’s baby, his pride and joy. And as he parks and glances at me, the vulnerability in his eyes is unmistakable. This isn’t just a business for him—it’s his heart, laid bare that he's showing me tonight. I'm just not sure I deserve to see it.

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